The money was paid to a fake charity run by a college consultant who boosted her daughter Sofia’s scores in a standardised test known as the SATs used for university admissions.

As a result she got 1,420 out of a possible 1,600 — about 400 points higher than her preliminary SAT exam.

Under a plea deal with prosecutors, which saw Huffman plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, the actress faces the prospect of four months in jail although the judge has warned the penalty could be more severe.

Her husband, Fargo star William H Macy, was not with her in court.

Huffman is one of 13 parents who say they will plead guilty to the scandal which has rocked the US. A further 17, including actress Lori Loughlin, have pleaded not guilty.